Shreveport, La., October 13, 2025
News Summary
In a tragic incident early on October 6, two residents of Shreveport, Eugene Gillyard Jr. and Crystal Howard, were killed in a train-SUV collision at a railroad crossing. The SUV ignored warning signals at the crossing before being struck by a freight train. A third occupant survived the crash but sustained injuries. This incident has raised concerns about safety at railroad crossings in residential areas as the community mourns the loss of the victims.
Shreveport, La. – Two Residents Killed in Train-SUV Collision
Two Shreveport residents were killed in a tragic train and SUV collision that occurred early on October 6, 2025, at approximately 2:09 a.m. The accident took place at a railroad crossing on East 85th Street near Fairfield Avenue, resulting in the immediate fatalities of both victims, identified as Eugene Gillyard Jr., 24, and Crystal Howard, 36, both of whom resided in Shreveport.
Emergency responders pronounced both victims dead at the scene following the incident. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office has ordered autopsies for both individuals to determine the cause of death. Reports indicate that a maroon 2011 Nissan Armada was traveling east on East 85th Street when the crash occurred.
According to preliminary investigations, the driver of the SUV drove around the lowered barricade arm at the railroad crossing while warning lights were flashing, ignoring critical safety signals. The vehicle was subsequently struck on the driver’s side by a Kansas City Southern freight train that was traveling north. The impact was severe enough to flip the SUV and eject the occupants.
In addition to Gillyard and Howard, a third individual who was in the front passenger seat of the SUV survived the crash. This survivor was later located at a family member’s residence. The survivor confirmed that the driver had ignored the crossing signals prior to the collision. The third occupant sustained injuries and was transported to Ochsner LSU Medical Center for treatment.
A dog that was present in the SUV also died in the crash, adding further tragedy to the incident. Witnesses reported that the train was traveling at a speed of under 40 mph at the time of the collision, but the circumstances surrounding the accident are still being actively investigated by the Shreveport Police Crash Investigations Unit.
Investigation Details
As authorities continue to gather evidence and speak with witnesses, the investigation is expected to take time to fully assess the incident. The Shreveport community is in mourning as they process the loss of Gillyard and Howard, who were known members of their neighborhood.
Traffic safety experts emphasize the importance of adhering to railroad crossing signals to prevent such devastating accidents. Following this incident, there may be renewed discussions about the safety measures at railroad crossings, particularly in residential areas.
Background Information
This tragic collision serves as a reminder of the dangers present at railroad crossings. Each year, numerous accidents occur across the United States, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Authorities recommend that drivers always approach railroad crossings with caution and heed all warning signs and signals to ensure their safety and that of their passengers.
Community members have expressed condolences and support for the families affected by this tragedy, highlighting the need for continued awareness and safety measures surrounding railroad crossings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What were the names of the victims in the train-SUV collision? The victims were identified as Eugene Gillyard Jr., 24, and Crystal Howard, 36, both from Shreveport.
- What time did the collision occur? The incident occurred on Oct. 6, 2025, at approximately 2:09 a.m.
- Was there a survivor from the SUV? Yes, a third person who was in the front passenger seat survived the crash and was later located at a family member’s residence.
- What actions did the driver take before the crash? The driver reportedly drove around the lowered barricade arm at the railroad crossing while warning lights were flashing.
- What was the condition of the train at the time of the collision? The train was reported to be traveling at a speed of under 40 mph at the time of the collision.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 6, 2025 |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 2:09 a.m. |
| Location | East 85th Street near Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, La. |
| Victims | Eugene Gillyard Jr. (24), Crystal Howard (36) |
| Additional Occupant | Survivor from the front passenger seat |
| Train Speed | Under 40 mph |
| Investigation | Ongoing by Shreveport Police Crash Investigations Unit |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Crash Claims Life of Shreveport Woman
Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash in Shreveport Claims Life
Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-49 in Shreveport
Shreveport Bus Driver’s Heroic Actions Save Lives in Explosive Incident
Shreveport Traffic Incidents Lead to Tragic Loss of Life
Additional Resources
- KSLA News
- Wikipedia: Railroad Crossing
- KTAL News
- Google Search: train accident Shreveport
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- Google Scholar: train accidents car safety
- 710 KEEL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: train collision accident
- KTBS News
- Google News: Shreveport train crash
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
